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I started using MCT oil in my coffee daily about a year and a half ago when I was following a ketogenic diet. It sounded kind of weird to me at first (oil in my coffee, really?), but is something that I enjoy and have stuck with even when transitioning back to a higher carb diet. MCT Oil can have a massive impact on your energy and cognitive function.
I have found that for me it helps with energy pre-workout and with mental clarity. I have a condition called Hashimoto’s, which is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies directed against the thyroid gland
So What is MCT Oil?
MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides or medium chain fatty acids. They’re types of fat most often derived from coconut oil but sometimes made from palm oil. MCT oil is colorless, odorless, and stays liquid at room temperature. In addition to coffee, it’s perfect for adding to other foods, such as salads and smoothies. You could even just take it as a supplement by the tablespoon (but why when you could have coffee?!). MCT oil has a low smoke point, so it is not suitable for cooking.
MCTs are found in coconut oil and are processed by the body in a different way than long-chain fatty acids. Unlike other fats, they go straight from the gut to the liver. From here, they are used as a source of energy or turned into ketones. Ketones are substances produced when the liver breaks down a lot of fat, and they can be used by the brain for energy instead of glucose or sugar. As the calories in MCTs are used straightaway, they are less likely to be stored as fat.
The difference between MCT oil and coconut oil is that MCT oil is more concentrated and contains different proportions of MCTs. While coconut oil has MCTs in it, concentrated MCT oil is almost entirely MCTs.
Scientifically proven benefits of MCT oil include its ability to help with weight loss or maintenance, heart health protection, improved energy levels and mood, and digestion and nutrient absorption support. In addition, MCT oil has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
How to Choose the Best MCT Oil
When looking at the ingredients, check to make sure that the MCT Oil has:
- NO fillers
- NO flavorings
- NO other additives (if the ingredients include maltodextrin, starch, or other oils, put it down)
Make sure to also watch for oils with high amounts of lauric acid. It’s cheaper and not as effective as caprylic and capric acids.
To make it simple, all you want to see on the ingredients label are caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10).
Recommended MCT Oil Products
These are the MCT Oil’s that I have used and enjoy. I switch between purchasing them depending on the price at the time of purchasing. They are all high-quality and meet the above requirements:
Getting Started
After purchasing your MCT oil, I would recommend starting with 1 teaspoon a day and working up to the full dose of 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. When you first start taking it your body has to adjust to it. If you take to much when starting out it can cause digestive discomfort. So, just introduce it slowly into your diet.
How I Make MCT Oil Coffee
This is super easy and not really a recipe at all. I just wanted to make a fun video ?. What I do is:
- Grab my favorite mug
- Pour in my favorite coffee (I love dark roast coffee!)
- Pour in a teaspoon or two of MCT oil
- Froth away using a handheld electric frother
- Enjoy!
I hope you love MCT Oil as much as I do! For more tips for more energy throughout the day, check out 5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Afternoon Energy.
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Wishing you tons of goodness in your life,
Kat